Donald Jack Morris Sr.

Donald Jack Morris, Sr., age 86, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas. Born on July 9, 1938, in Tipton, Missouri, Jack lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his craft.

Jack graduated from Tipton High School before enlisting in the United States Navy on July 6, 1956. He served with distinction in the Aviation division and completed rigorous training at the Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School under the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. Specializing in the maintenance and repair of jet engines, Jack also completed additional “A” courses related to aircraft operation and flight. Although medical restrictions prevented him from obtaining a pilot’s license, he was trained to fly and possessed a deep understanding of aviation mechanics. He was honorably discharged on July 8, 1959.

While stationed at NAAS Saufley Field in Pensacola, Jack met his wife Shirley Ann, who was living in Mobile, Alabama. The two married in October 1960 and moved to the Kansas City area, where they built a life together that spanned nearly 65 years.

Jack began his civilian aviation career at Meisinger Beechcraft in Kansas City, Kansas, where he serviced and maintained airplanes. Always eager to expand his knowledge, he continued his education through night school while working full-time. He later joined King Radio in Olathe, Kansas—a company that would eventually become part of Honeywell Aviation through a series of mergers. Jack remained with the company until his retirement after decades of dedicated service.

Throughout his career, Jack earned a reputation for meticulous workmanship and integrity. His expertise was highly sought after by aircraft owners who valued his thoroughness and trustworthiness. Among his more memorable clients was daredevil Evel Knievel; Jack once took his children and neighborhood friends to see Knievel’s airplane, which featured a gold-plated emblem—a moment that left a lasting impression.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Ann Morris. In October of this year, they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his daughter Sherry L. Morris of Kansas City, Kansas; his son Donald “Don” Jack Morris Jr. of Olathe, Kansas; three grandsons: Zachary Taylor of Overland Park, Kansas; Dalton Morris of Kansas City, Missouri; and Cole Morris and his wife Rachel of Harrah, OK; as well as a niece Angee Donelan of Olathe, Kansas; and Jay Jay Stalec of Kansas City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred (Pulley) Morris and John H. Morris of Tipton, Missouri; and by his only sister, Evelyn Morris of Tipton.

Jack’s mechanical talents extended far beyond aviation. He had an innate ability to diagnose engine issues simply by listening—whether it was an airplane or a family car. In fact, family vehicles rarely saw a mechanic until Jack reached his 80s—and even then he insisted on inspecting the work himself. He once designed and built a riding lawnmower using airplane tires for wheels and an aircraft steering wheel—just one example of the ingenuity that defined him.

His hobbies reflected both creativity and precision. Jack enjoyed building and flying remote-controlled airplanes and often designed custom tools or home modifications to improve functionality or safety—like a leaf vacuum that could be hauled behind a lawnmower or an interior light system that alerted the family if a garage door was left open.

Jack also found joy in supporting his family’s activities—attending ball games and school events whenever possible. He took great pride in being present for those he loved.A proud Navy veteran throughout his life, Jack often wore his Naval Aviation Veteran ballcap when out in public. It became a symbol not only of his service but also of the camaraderie he shared with fellow veterans who frequently stopped to exchange stories or offer thanks.

Donald Jack Morris, Sr.—lovingly known as “Jack”—was deeply respected as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, and craftsman. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his quiet strength and unwavering commitment to excellence.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date